Reasons Why Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning Might Not Take Care of Your Problem

Blocked pipes are a common household headache, causing many to make an attempt at DIY fixes for a quick patch. Although do-it-yourself unclogging appears to be a budget-friendly and convenient way to go, it usually does not address the main source of the clog and can even result in additional problems later on. Discover the methods, drawbacks and perks of various tips for unclogging to understand why professional service is the best way to go.

Reasons Some Homeowners Avoid DIY Drain Cleaning

Regardless of the convenience and affordability of attempts to clear the clog on your own, they may not be the ideal choice for different reasons:

• Short-Lived Solutions: Do-it-yourself techniques usually give only a temporary solution. They can clear enough of the blockage to restore flow briefly, but the root cause is still there, leading to recurring issues and more headaches.
• Accidentally causing further damage: Haphazardly using plungers and plumbing snakes might ironically harm the pipes by scratching the pipe’s interior. An untrained user can unintentionally cause more harm than good, leading to higher bills and hassle.
• Little benefit: Do-it-yourself methods might remove smaller clogs, but they don’t resolve more serious issues like root intrusion or a collapsed sewer line. If you don’t have the proper gear, it’s harder to pinpoint the exact source of the problem, let alone resolve it.
• Damaging the plumbing: Commercially available chemical drain cleaners can ironically damage your pipes. These products often have harsh chemicals that can weaken your plumbing lines over time, particularly if they’re older or composed of iron piping or galvanized iron. Besides, chemical cleaners can be dangerous, causing burns or toxic fumes, not to mention harm to the planet from pouring them down the drain.

Standard DIY Drain Cleaning Techniques

It’s understandable to attempt DIY once or twice to unclog stopped-up drains before calling in the pros. You may remember some typical techniques, giving varying degrees of effectiveness:

• Plunger: A conventional plunger is effective for a few simple clogs in sink drains and bathtubs. Making sure the sink or tub has a bit of water gives a tight seal over the drain. Then, plunging with strong, consistent force should loosen the blockage, as long as it’s not too far from the incoming pressure.
• Hot Water: Pouring heated (but not boiling) water through the line can break down some of the greasy blockages or clear out dried soap. At the same time, this option is better at avoiding stoppages than fixing a clog that’s already formed.
• Chemical Drain Cleaners: A lot of folks actually start with this approach, but it’s the least effective and most known to actually cause harm to the pipes.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: This common DIY pipe-clearing method consists of adding half a cup of sodium bicarbonate then adding one-half cup of vinegar through the line. When the mix finishes fizzing, the last step is to flush the drain with warm but not too hot water.
• Hand-Crank Plumbing Snake or Auger: This option physically breaks up or pulls out clogs. It’s the DIY method most able to help clear the clog out. Still, if the clog is too deep for the snake to reach, it won’t work.

Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

If an attempt at DIY to fix a clogged drain fails, opt for professional drain cleaning services. Here’s how you’ll benefit when you make the call:

• Preventive maintenance: Routine drain cleaning is the ideal approach for ensuring clog-free pipes for as long as possible. Think about this preventive service to cut down on the possibility of plumbing emergencies and high repair costs later on.
• Solutions that last: Professional drain cleaning offers a more thorough resolution, addressing the underlying problem of the blockage so you can get rid of clogs permanently.
• Safe work from local Experts: Professional plumbers have the skills and experience to tackle complex clogs securely and efficiently. They utilize the right tools and tools to minimize the risk of further damage to your plumbing system.

Professional Drain Cleaning Best Practices

Plumbing pros use various modern tools to provide thorough and long-term results to your drain problems:

• Heavy-duty plumbing auger: When basic plumbing snakes fail to clear the clog out, Experts break out the more serious equipment. Motorized augers have extended reach and longer cables that go deep into your pipes, smashing through the clog.
• Using a video camera: Experts typically begin plumbing inspections with a drain camera. This involves feeding a miniature camera into the pipes to correctly identify the location and cause of the blockage, ensuring focused and lasting repairs.
• Hydro jetter: The most cutting-edge unclogging approach employs pressurized jets of water to blast away clogs and clean the interior of your plumbing, removing all buildup and gunk. Even roots invading pipes are vulnerable to this professional specialty.

Arrange for Professional Drain Cleaning

While DIY drain cleaning methods are a fast remedy for minor blockages, vast or major blockages demand professional services. For risk-free, effective and longer-lasting solutions, count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide reliable drain cleaning services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Should you not be fully satisfied with our job, we’ll get back to work. Contact us today to ensure your drains are in good hands.